Paycheck Calculator (2026)
Per-paycheck breakdown (2026, est.)
Based on 26 pay periods/yr. FICA uses the 2026 Social Security wage base of $184,500.00. Effective deduction rate: 22.4%.
How the paycheck is built
Each paycheck starts at gross pay. We subtract an estimate of federal income tax (2026 rate schedule minus the standard deduction, spread evenly across periods), Social Security (6.2% to the $184,500.00 base), Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above the threshold), and your state income tax. The remainder is net pay. This is a planning estimate, not your exact withholding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this paycheck calculator show?
For your chosen pay frequency and state, it breaks each paycheck into gross pay, estimated federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state income tax, and net take-home. Federal tax is a planning estimate using the 2026 IRS rate schedule.
Why is federal tax an estimate, not my exact withholding?
Actual withholding follows IRS Pub. 15-T tables and depends on your W-4 (allowances, extra withholding), other income, and credits. We apply the 2026 rate schedule to gross minus the standard deduction, which is a close planning estimate.
Is the Social Security amount correct?
We apply 6.2% to wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500 (SSA), and 1.45% Medicare on all wages plus 0.9% Additional Medicare above $200,000 (single)/$250,000 (married). These match 2026 statute.